Before the season began, I’d openly wondered about what would happen with Athanasiou. His agent is notoriously difficult to deal with, and A.A. missed some time during the last negotiations as he held out. After a 30 goal year last year, it felt certain that he was headed for career numbers. That, to me, spelled a tough time negotiating and if nothing was working out then A.A. could well be dealt by the trade deadline for a young defenseman or futures or both.
The season is near the quarter mark, and EK posted a rumor that a few teams are kicking the tires on Athanasiou. Montreal, Carolina and Buffalo all seem interested enough to at least have a conversation. In Carolina and Buffalo I see the greatest potential returns as they both have depth at the Defensive position. I would like to see Ristolainen (and yes, I’m prepared for more hate comments) or Pesce come this way. However, there is a hitch now. Athanasiou only has 1 goal and 5 assists in 14 games. He is also a -18. While I know that many have written this stat completely off, that is high. To me, teams are matching up far too well with the line(s) he is on.
In Ek’s post today, he notes that there is nothing being said about negotiations. In one of my last posts, I noted the sheer volume of contracts coming up should have Yzerman scrambling, even now. Instead, it seems far too quiet.
I have no doubt that Athanasiou or his agent want to hold off on contract talks for now. In fact, only Mantha and Bertuzzi should be eager to have discussions now. With more than 20 contracts expiring, not many candidates have placed themselves in the “invaluable… category.
This revelation causes me to give pause. Could 3/4 of the team that are without deals next year be choking? Is the stress compounded by the fact that there are no guarantees? Each game played must feel like an extra % off of everyone’s next deal. It’s beginning to feel like the bargain bin.
I doubt any player would admit that they’re even thinking about the next deal. That’s not in the hockey dialogue most of the time. Steve Yzerman has a unique chance to allow the roster to turn over in a huge way without having to give up any assets at all. However, I doubt the offers for A.A. or anyone else are close to what would be considered “market value… based on last year’s performance. And so, either a deal too good to turn down comes in or individuals turn this ship around. Or neither. And the season continues the same way until the market heats up.
I am in no hurry to see Athanasiou traded away. His speed is elite. When he’s on, he’s really on. With maturity can come consistency. However, he is going to expect a raise. Without a significant lift in his offensive output soon, it would be hard to make the case that last year is what can be expected for the next 5 or 6 years. Not a fun situation to be in.
Until something happens, rumors are going to swirl. Steve Yzerman plays things close to the vest. My only hope is that if guys are going to be extended, it can get going soon. The amount of stress in the locker room can only be exacerbated by the number of players who don’t know where next year’s checks are coming from. At some point, stability has to be introduced into the mix.
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